Inliners International Forums General Discussion MOPAR Dodge Truck 6, What to look for...

Hi there!

Have heard that the 251/264 flathead six as used in the Dodge trucks is the engine to look for when seeking a flathead to re-build & "hop-up", as they were outfitted for "severe service" from the factory.

Question: which size Dodge trucks from which years would I find the larger engine in?

Also, there is a '53-'56 Dodge pick-up(1/2ton) available to me for whatever parts I wish to scavenge (body is shot!), would the pick-ups have had the 251 six or only the 230?

The project car is a '41 De Soto, which is the same as the 6 cylinder Chrysler.

Hi,

I believe a 1/2-ton truck from the early or mid '50's would have either the 218 cid or 230 cid engine. I don't believe it would have the 251. I have a '49 Power Wagon (1-ton, 4x4) and it has the 230 (stock engine for that year), and it kept that engine for the next 12 years or so.

As for the 251/265 being more suitable for souping up, that may be the case due to better construction or design, but I believe it's much more difficult to find performance parts for those engines than it is for the smaller ones, like the 230. Dual carb intakes and performance camshafts can be readily found for the 230, but I don't believe that's the case for the larger flatheads.

Maybe someone else can provide some enlightenment on this.

Matt

It will be a 230 eng. You can measure the cyl.head and it will measure 23 inches,if it were a 251 0r 265 it would measure 25 inches.